Congress MLA Chandy Oommen has been added to the NHAI panel of advocates, with the list officially released on September 7, 2023. Despite concerns about his political connections, Oommen asserts that his empanelment is solely based on professional qualifications.
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NEW DELHI: Congress MLA Chandy Oommen has found his place among the advocates empanelled by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), an organization working under the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The list of advocates, which includes Oommen’s name, was officially released on September 7, 2023, by SK Mallik, the General Manager of NHAI’s Kerala Regional Office. This announcement has raised questions, given Oommen’s political standing and family legacy, but he has strongly emphasized that his inclusion in the list is purely professional, having no political bearings.
Chandy Oommen, the son of late Oommen Chandy, former Chief Minister of Kerala, represents the Congress party and was elected as an MLA from the Puthuppally constituency in September 2023. His political lineage and recent election have led many to scrutinize his inclusion on the NHAI advocate list. Despite the criticism, Oommen has maintained that his role on the panel is strictly professional.
The list of empanelled advocates consists of lawyers from various political backgrounds, highlighting the diversity within the panel. These advocates are primarily tasked with handling cases related to land acquisition, arbitration, and court proceedings connected to NHAI projects.
While Oommen’s inclusion on the list has become a topic of debate, it’s important to note that the list features lawyers connected to several political parties, demonstrating that legal professionals from different affiliations have been chosen for this role.
Chandy Oommen has been quick to clarify that his appointment to the NHAI panel happened long before his election as an MLA. He explained that his first empanelment took place in 2022, and the recent list is merely a renewal of that initial appointment.
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“Two years back in 2022, I applied for the empanelment of advocates in NHAI when they called for application, and I was appointed then before I became an MLA. I was included in the list published. Now this is some renewal and this is a renewed list and not a fresh appointment,”
– Oommen emphasized.
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Oommen went further to explain that since his inclusion in the NHAI panel, he has not handled any cases on behalf of the authority.
“For the past 7 months, I have not been assigned any files by NHAI, nor have I handled any files for them, and that is the reality.”
– he said, stressing that his professional work as an advocate has not conflicted with his political responsibilities.
When questioned about his intentions regarding remaining on the NHAI panel amidst the controversy, Oommen remained transparent. He revealed that the NHAI had contacted him about his position, and they were considering canceling the list. He emphasized that his original application was made solely in his capacity as a lawyer, before his election to public office, and that his inclusion was not politically motivated.
“Now the project director is asking me if I applied as a lawyer, and he mentioned that they are canceling the list. I have not done anything untrue. As a lawyer, I was eligible to apply for any position before becoming an MLA, and I was appointed accordingly. The list includes members from various parties, including CPI(M) leaders and current Government Pleaders. If they are removing the list, that is their prerogative. It’s a professional matter, and the cancellation of the list confirms that I have done nothing wrong, unethical, or immoral.”
-he explained.
Oommen’s statements make it clear that he sees no fault in his initial appointment. He highlighted the fact that advocates from all political backgrounds were included in the list, further dispelling any notions that his selection was an act of political favoritism.
Oommen has reiterated that the cancellation of the list, should it happen, would not affect his political stance or career. He made it clear that his position as a lawyer was not linked to his role as a Congress MLA, and his political ideals remain unwavering.
“It was an old list that was renewed, and now they see my name on it and want to cancel it. I have not taken any different political stance regardless of whether I am appointed or not. My political position remains unchanged.”
– he affirmed.
This statement solidifies Oommen’s commitment to his political role while underlining that his legal career is separate from his responsibilities as an MLA.
